Warehouses and shipping yards are crucial elements of any supply chain or industrial distribution network. These sites rely on a series of factors for the safe and efficient transportation of extremely heavy cargo.
Some safety factors are behavioral. Keeping floors free from debris and posting signage can make a meaningful difference in how an industrial distribution facility operates. Other critical factors include thorough staff training, proper equipment selection, and regular maintenance and inspection.
Use Appropriate Equipment
Different types of industrial moving equipment are designed for different functions, weights, and loads. Choosing the right piece of equipment for each step is key to a safe and efficient move.
When to use a Jack
An industrial jack is an excellent choice for lifting shipping containers, heavy equipment, or other loads for mounting onto a dolly or robot. Industrial jacks allow team members to safely and efficiently lift heavy loads without excess strain. Some jacks can lift up to 30 tons.
When to Use a Dolly
An industrial moving dolly should be used when a heavy load needs to be transported from one location to another within a warehouse, shipping yard, or other facility. Understanding the weight, weight distribution, and shape of the load, is key to choosing the right type of moving dolly. Some dollies are designed for moving shipping containers or other specific loads, whereas others have more flexible applications. The moving surface also matters. For example, a three-point moving system navigates more smoothly across bumps, cracks, and uneven surfaces than a four-point system.
Another factor to consider is the surrounding environment. If you have ample space for a forklift or other heavy equipment to tow your load, then a non-motorized dolly is an excellent choice.
When to Use a Robot
There are several situations in which a motorized dolly, or robot, is an excellent choice for moving shipping containers and other heavy cargo. Robots are self-propelled and don’t require a forklift or other heavy equipment for towing, which is a tremendous advantage in tight spaces. A robot can also execute precise movements when moving cargo, another benefit when space is at a premium.
Robots also make it possible to achieve more with a small team or skeleton crew. Once the cargo has been loaded and secured, a single team member can serve as both operator and spotter.
Train Employees on Proper Use
Safety in the workplace is a product of both good equipment and well-trained staff. Educating team members on the proper use of industrial moving equipment can reduce the risk of injury, malfunction, and damage.
GKS is proud to provide easy-to-access training resources for all of our industrial moving equipment. All equipment manuals and product guides are free and easy to download from each product’s webpage. Many product pages also feature brief instructional videos. Our support team, located in the American Heartland, is always available to answer questions about product use and training.
Maintain and Inspect Equipment
Basic maintenance and regular inspection of industrial moving equipment can make a meaningful difference in the overall safety of an industrial distribution environment. Maintaining these best practices increases the likelihood that any potential issues will be noticed early, so they can be addressed before real problems arise.
Maintenance and inspection practices will differ slightly depending on the type of equipment, but here are a few key guidelines:
- Replace parts, such rollers and rubber supports, on the recommended schedule and whenever they show signs of wear. Regular oil changes and air vent cleanings are also important.
- Apply grease to parts that require lubrication, such as slides, lifting pistons, and roller bearings.
- Pay special attention to areas prone to wear and tear, such as welded seams, rods, cartridges, and rollers. If anything looks unusual, talk to a member of the GKS team.
Why GKS?
GKS leverages superior German engineering and high-quality material selection to create the best distribution solutions and industrial moving equipment on the market. Each one of our products is designed for peak performance and longevity while moving cargo in rigorous warehouse, shipping, and distribution environments. Every single piece of equipment is thoroughly inspected and tested for quality and performance before it leaves our manufacturing facility.
In addition to our exceptional products, GKS offers extensive, easy-to-access training materials and a responsive customer service team. Our experts are always available to answer questions, solve problems, and help you make informed decisions about equipment purchases, so you can find the distribution solution that meets your needs.
If you’re thinking about investing in high-quality industrial distribution solutions, talk to a member of our team. We’ll help you choose the right solution for you.
